De-risking A Vitreous Substitute Hydrogel for Retinal Detachment

In order to prevent vision loss for many diseases affecting the light-sensing tissue of the eye known as the retina, materials are injected into the eye to replace the jelly-like material known as the vitreous which is removed to treat the disease. Synakis is focused on developing a superior vitreous substitute which will avoid blurry vision, avoid the need for patients to lay face-down or have a second surgery to remove the substitute overall improving patient care. This project will involve characterizing the material properties for optimized methods to prepare, sterilize, mix and deliver the vitreous substitute. Completing this project will ensure Synakis can manufacture this material and progress towards regulatory approval.

Faculty Supervisor:

Molly Shoichet;Michael Sefton;David Grant Allen

Student:

Alexander Baker

Partner:

Synakis

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Toronto